All-New Curated Experiences Unveiled at Sri Lankan Resort

The 300-room, 21-suite Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa is the largest resort on the island nation of Sri Lanka. Located beachfront in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, the resort already encourages visitors to explore several renowned Asian nature sanctuaries, such as the Yala, Udawalawe, Lunungamvehera and Bundala National Parks.

Recently, however, the resort is launching a new series of curated experiences and excursions for its guests with a bent towards adventure in the natural and cultural worlds of Sri Lanka. With the help of local guides, guests can choose among a variety of new experiences planned by the resort such as:

River Boat Safari Down the Walawe River 

Whale Watching From the Dondra Harbour

Dondra Harbour is near to the resort and provides full vantage of Dondra Canyon, which hosts the world’s largest blue whale aggregation through the months of October to November (east of the canyon) and March to May (west of the canyon). Bryde’s whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales, and orcas are also often spotted in the Canyon, as well as a number of different dolphin breeds.

Sunset at Godawaya

Following a beach side stroll or bike ride that passes through a local fisherman’s village and a Buddhist temple, and then a scenic hike through the Godawaya rock formations will bring guests to a vista where they can watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. If adventurers wish, the resort’s Dine by Design program will serve them a sunset picnic as well.

Visit to the Virgin White Tea Factory

Guests also have the opportunity to visit the nearby Handunugoda Tea Estate, also known as the Virgin White Tea Factory, because of the white tea it produces, which is famously untouched by human hands throughout cultivation. Visitors can learn about the tea plucking process as well as the history behind Virgin White Tea. Guests of Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa are also exclusively invited on a private tour with the plantation’s owner, culminating in a private tea tasting at his house.

Kadamandiya

Exploring Sri Lanka deeper, guests can visit Kadamandiya, otherwise known as ‘The Village,’ a Sri Lankan cultural nexus that hosts, supports and preserves Sri Lanka’s artisan communities. Sculptors, weavers, silversmiths and performing artists alike live in The Village and showcase their work.